Unguent Vessel

Carved of calcite, this unguent or cosmetic vessel has details of sheet gold, colored pigment and colored ivory. On its lid is a recumbent lion with the cartouche of the king inscribed near its shoulder. Perhaps a symbol of Tutankhamun, he is atop the vessel, while four of the traditional enemies of Egypt are trapped at the base, represented only by their heads. Two columns are applied to the vessel, and each is surmounted by an image of the god Bes. These architectural features also serve as frames for the two scenes depicting fighting animals in a band around the central section of the jar.

Dynasty 18, reign of Akhenaten/Tutankhamun 1353–1322 BCE

Photo: Andreas F. Voegelin, Antikenmuseum Basel and Sammlung Ludwig